JCB Group take over SKODA franchise

One of Kent and Sussex’s largest motor group has completed a deal
which will see it take over a SKODA franchise in Worthing, covering Hove
and its neighbouring city, Brighton.

The JCB Group is spreading its operation across the South East with
the takeover of the franchise of West Sussex Motors from the Birchwood
Group, expanding its growing portfolio of Volkswagen Automotive Group
(VAG) sites.

“I’m very much centred on developing a regional dealership group
which is customer-focused and financially robust. 18 months ago we
announced the acquisition of the Eurovans Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
franchises in Brighton, Crawley and Eastbourne which increased our
influence and reach in the automotive world,” said Managing Director
Jonathan Bischoff.

“Since JCB Group’s inception, we’ve proven that there’s a healthy
market for good old fashioned service in supporting motorists, where
people are looked after. Customers are also concentrating their
purchases around vehicles which are reliable and offer value-for-money.
With this in mind, our strategy of expansion is very much focused around
VAG brands.

“The opportunity to take on the ŠKODA franchise was simply too good
to miss, after all it has a deserved reputation for value-for-money;
products built to the highest standards, engineering innovation and
outstanding customer service, very much fitting in with our own values.”

Mr Bischoff set up the JCB Group 17 years ago, then aged 28, while he
was working for another dealership. He wrote to Volkswagen, explaining
that he only wanted to work for them and was desperate to be given the
opportunity to run a dealership. To his delight (and surprise)
Volkswagen replied, offering to be the guarantor behind this new
business venture.

Fast forward 20 years, Jonathan’s team have sold in excess of 75,000
vehicles and the business has grown to include other marques including
SEAT, Honda and Fiat, plus Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VW CV).

The ŠKODA franchise will now be part of a family run group which
prides itself on being the UKs largest Commercial Vehicles dealer, the
South East’s number 1 Volkswagen dealer (according to VW One Business
Awards for 2015) and which also supplies parts to the trade industry.

Mr Bischoff added: “We are utilising our extensive resources and
expertise to ensure that there is a smooth transition for all involved.
We are delighted to welcome ŠKODA to the JCB Group family.”

The independently owned JCB Group now employs over 300 staff throughout Kent and Sussex.